Mr FOX (HENTY, VICTORIA)
- I ask the Treasurer whether he has seen reports, which have been given very wide .coverage, suggesting that the Government is' seeking to introduce legislation to double the pensions of members of Parliament. Does he agree that such reports are a gross distortion of the true position? Is it not a fact that what the Government is seeking to do is to place members of Parliament on an equal basis in regard to superannuation- -with every, other section of the community, particularly retired public servants and retired members of the Defence forces? Is it not a fact that members of Parliament constitute the only section of the community who have their superannuation rates halved if they accept an office of profit under the Crown? Further, is it not a fact that retired' members of Parliament are paid not pensions but superannuation for which they contribute of their salary?